Leads: Evelyn Wu, Chrissie Ohlund, Andrea Holmes, Eleah Stringer      

 
 

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of providing body composition feedback versus body weight alone to individuals with head and neck cancer receiving curative treatment. Findings may inform how bioimpedance analysis (BIA) could be integrated into routine nutrition care.

This project is supported by a BC Cancer Practice-Based Research Challenge grant  administered by the Nursing and Allied Health Research and Knowledge Translation department and the BIA machine funded by the BC Cancer Foundation 2024 Innovation Fund. 

Study Background & Rationale:

Background: People with head and neck cancer (HNC) face high nutritional risk because of tumor location and side effects of treatment.  Despite interventions like tube feeding and nutrition supplementation, weight and muscle are often lost. Some patients welcome weight loss, not understanding its negative impacts on physical function, immune health, treatment tolerance, and recovery.    

Purpose of Study: Standard nutrition care includes body weight measurement using a standard weight scale.  A bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA) differentiates body weight by fat, muscle and water. 

 
This detailed information may help patients better understand the implications of weight loss, focus on muscle maintenance, reduce weight stigma, and guide their intake during treatment.
 

Study Objectives:

  • We aim to study the impact of providing body composition feedback to people with HNC receiving curative treatment, compared to providing body weight measure only.
  • Findings on patient experience and nutrition outcomes using BIA may inform future integration of BIA into routine nutrition care. 

Recruitment of Participants

We will soon be recruiting for our newest study! Recruitment anticipated to open January 2026. 

Questions?

If you are interested in participating in this work or would like to learn more, please contact:

Project lead: Evelyn Wu at evwu@bccancer.bc.ca

Principal Investigator: Eleah Stringer at eleah.stringer@bccancer.bc.ca 

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